Timing switch



Nov. 28, 1950 o, ALVAREZ 2,531,491

TIMING SWITCH Filed NOV. 2, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 3Y3 3LLL ENTv'OR.

0. J. ALVAREZ Nov. 28, 1950 TIMING SWITCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2, 1946 INVENTOR. WWO? BY Nov. 28, 1950 ALVAREZ 2,531,491

TIMING SWITCH Filed Nov. 2, 1946 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

Fatented Nov. 28,. 1 950 ENT OFFICE 2,531,491 I TIMING swrron' Octavio Jose Alvarei, New York, N. Y., assignor' toAlvarez Patent Corporation,. New York, N. Y;

. Application November 2, 1946, Serial No. 707,411

It is a further object of my present invention 'to provide a timing switch which is compact and constructed so that all'its movable parts are enclosed into one single closed'casing.

It is another object of my present invention to provide a mechanical timing switch having a, -time delay adjustable within wide limits.

.Finally, it is an object of my present invention tohprovide a timing switch based on an entirely new principle, not used to date in this field.

With the above objects in view, my present invention mainly consists of a timing switch comprising in combination two containers contaming fluid, fluid conducting means by which this fluid is adapted to slowly flow from one of these containers into the other, timing means for moving at least one of the above mentioned containers into a position causing a slow flow of the fluid from one into the other of the containers, and switch means combined with these con-- tainers and constructed so as to be automatical- 1y operated when the fluid reaches in one of the containers a predetermined fluid level during its now from one of these containers into the other.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of my present invention, I combine with a timing switch of the above type a stationary support and pivoting means turnably securing atleast one ofthe above mentioned containers to this support;

in this event the timing means are constructed so as :to he -adapted to turn the container or containers supported by the above pivoting means into :such a position that the fluid is slowly flowing from one ofthe containers into the other as described above.

Millions conducting means might be used for enabling the above defined slow flow of the fluid from one of the containers into the other: Thus, it is possible to provide a wick member reaching from one into the other containerand serving as fluid transmitting means; it is however, also possible 'to provide instead of such a wick member, one or more small apertures in the dividing wall arranged between the two containers and to shape the aperture or apertures so, as to prevent too quick flow'of the fluid from one into the other container.

to timing means by which this fluid is adapted to slowly 7 Claims. (01. 200-33 By turning the two containers, or, one of them into different positions, it is possible to adjust and regulate the time needed until the fluid reaches in one or both of the containers a pre-,

determined level. The switch member mentioned above is arranged and constructed so that as soon as this predetermined level is reached, the switch is operated.

,Thus, it is evident that with a timing switch of the above type, it is easily possible to obtain different timing periods, 1. e. to delay operation of the switch for a longer or shorter predetermined time, as desired.

A switch construction of the type proposed by me with which I obtained very good results consists of an outer container, fluid contained in this outer container, a cup-shaped swimmer container being open at its top and arranged within this outer container, pivoting means securing this cup-shaped swimmer container to the outer container turnably between lifted position substantially above the level of the fluid contained in the above mentioned outer container and submerged position substantially under the level of the fluid contained in this outer container, conducting flow from the outer container into the cupshapecl swimmer container while the same is slowly turning about the pivoting means from its lifted into its submerged position, manually operable turning meansfor quickly turning the above mentioned cup-shaped swimmer container about the pivoting means mentioned above from its submerged into its lifted position during which turning the fluid contained in this cup-shaped swimmer container quickly flows through the open top of this container from the same into the outer container mentioned above, and a switch member, preferably a mercury switch of well-known type, carried by the cup-shaped swimmer container and constructed so as to be automatically operated when this swimmer container reaches, during its slow turning, the submerged position defined above.

From above it is clear that in order to operate my new timing switch it is only necessary to turn the cup-shaped swimmer container within the outer container from its ubmerged into its lifted position.

In order to avoid the necessity of passing the shaft of the cup-shaped swimmer container through the side wall or walls of the outer container and thereby create the possibility of leakage of the fluid contained in the outer container, Iv arrange additional pivoting mean turnably securing the outer container together with the fluid and the swimmer container contained in the same to a support and provide on the inner surface of the outer container operating means, e. g. an operating projection adapted to engage the swimmer container. An arrangement of this type makes it possible to turn the inner swimmer container into lifted position simply by turning the outer container as will be described farther below in detail:

The novel features which I consider as characteristic for my invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional object and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross section through a switch -arrangement of the type proposed by me, along line of Fig. 3;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cup-shaped swimmer member forming part of the switch arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the switch arrangement shown in Fig. 1, along line 3--3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective front view of the switch arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 3, seen in direction of arrow 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross section through a modified embodiment of a switch arrangement of the type shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cup-shaped swimmer member forming part of the switch arrangement shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a cross section through still another modified embodiment of a switch arrangement of the type proposed by me, along line of I,

Fig. 8;

Fig. 8 is an elevational section through the.

switch arrangement shown in Fig. 7, along line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Figs. 9 to 12 are elevational sections through the switch arrangement shown in Figs. 7 and 8, similar to the section shown in Fig. 8, but showing the switch set for different time delays; and

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the switch arrangement shown in Figs. 7 to 12, partly in section along line of Fig. 8.

The switch arrangement shown in Figs. -1 to 4, comprises as main elements a stationary support 20 freely turnably supporting the outer closed containe 2 I, the inner cup-shaped swimmer container 22 turnably supported by the pivot pins 23 in corresponding pivot holes 24 provided in the side walls 25 and 26 of the outer container 2|, and a mercury switch 21 mounted by means of brackets 28 to the top edge 29 of the swimmer container 22.

This swimmer container 22 is open at its top 30 and provided with a small aperture 3| as clearly shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The purpose for this aperture 3| will become, apparent from the detailed description of this switch arrangement following farther below.

The outer container i partly filled with fluid 32; this fluid of course, is-adapted to flow through opening 3| into the swimmer container 22 so that the fiuid in the outer container 2| and the swimmer container 22 is at the same level 33 when the switch is in inoperative position. 7

The mercury switch 2'! is connected with the electric circuit to be broken or made by means of the electric conductor 34 which is passing 'ductor 34.

through a hole 2| in container 2| firmly fitting into the same so as to prevent leakage of fluid and arranged so as not to interfere with free turning of the outer container 2| relative to the support 28 and the swimmer container 22 relative to the outer container 2|. In order to enable free turning of the outer container 2| relative to the support 20, the conductor 34 is not secured to the support 20 but is held in position by means of the rubber disc 34 which rubber disc is freely rotatable relative to the support 20 and held in position by the sleeve 34" firmly secured to the con- In order to enable turning of the swimmer container 22 relative to the outer container 2 ,the two wires leading from the conductor 34 to the switch 21 are made, as shown in Figure 1, long enough to permit relative turning of these containers.

A timing switch of the above type is based on the following principle: When the swimmer container 22 is turned in direction of arrow 35 the fiuid contained therein will overflow into the outer container 2| until the swimmer container 22 has reached its initial timing position indicated in Fig. 1 by dotted lines. In this position the swimmer container is only partly filled with fluid 32 and has, due to its own weight, the tendency to turn in direction of arrow 36 and to submerge into the fluid 32 contained in the outer container.

It is evident that if no aperture 3| were provided in the wall of the swimmer container 22, turning of the same in direction of arrow 3|; would be impossible and the containerwomd stay in its-lifted position, shown in dotted lines. However, provision of the small aperture 3| enables flow of fluid from the outer container 2| through opening 3| in direction of arrow 31 into the swimmer container 22; this enables turning of the swimmer container in direction of arrow 36.

The aperture 3| is made very small so as to delay submersion of the cup-shaped swimmer container 22 to such a degree that it takes a position in which the swimmer container 22 is turned by 90, a relatively long time, e. g. one full hour until it reaches the final position shown in Fig. 1 in full lines.

As clearly shown in the drawing, the mercury switch 21 will be closed the moment the swimmer container 22 is manually turned from its final position shown in Fig. 1 in full lines in direction of arrow 35, and will stay closed until the swimmer container returns from its upward turned lifted position shown in dotted lines into its final position shown in full lines. As the time needed for return of the swimmer container from its lifted position to-its final one depends on the degree of turning, and as this time is for each degree of turning a predetermined constant one, it is possible by turning the cup-shaped swimmer member '22 to various degrees to exactly adjust the time period the mercury switch 21 stays closed.

As set forth above, thesimplest way to turn the swimmer container 22 would be to provide at the end of pivot pin 23 a turning knob. However, this would make it necessary to provide in the wall of the closed outer container 2| a hole, and this in turn might lead to leakage of fluid 32.

In order to avoid such leakage, the outer container 2| is provided with operating means consisting mainly of the projections 38 and 39: The projection 38 is adapted to abut against and engage edge 40 of the swimmer container 22 and projection 39 is adapted to abut against and engage edge 4| of this container.

In order to set the timing switch with the operating means described above, it is'only necessary to turn the front end of the closed container 2| which is provided with the turning knob 42 as shown in Fig. 4 in direction of arrow 35 until the pointer 43 reaches the indication 44 for the desired timing period. Then knob 42 is turned back in direction of arrow 36 into its initial position.

It is evident that turning of the knob 42 and of the outer container 2| in direction of arrow 35 will cause abutment of projection 38 against edge 48 of the swimmer container 22 so that the same will also be turned in direction of arrow 35 until it reaches the predetermined initial position, e. g. the position shown in Fig. 1 in dotted lines. During the then following turning of the knob 42 and of the outer container 2| in direction of arrow 36 into the final inoperative position of the outer container, the swimmer container will not engage either of the projections 38 and 39, but will start to slowly submerge into the fluid 32 as described above in detail.

From above, it is also clear that the moment knob 42 is turned in direction of arrow 36, the mercury switch 2'! is closed and stays closed until the swimmer container 22 returns, due to its weight, into its final position shown in Fig. 1 in full lines.

The switch arrangement shown in Figs. and 6 is nearly identical with the switch arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and described above in detail. Therefore, I wish only to note that this switch arrangement differentiates from the one described above in that two wick shaped members 45 are provided instead of the aperture 3|. These wick shaped members 45 are adapted to cause a very slow flow of fluid from the outer container 2| into the cup-shaped swimmer container 22, when the same is in lifted position and to keep the fluid flowing slowly from one container into the other until the swimmer container is in its final position shown in Fig. 5 in full lines.

In all other respects, this switch arrangement is'identical with the one shown in Figs. 1 to 4, and therefore, description of all details of the same can be omitted.

The switch arrangement shown in Figs. 7 to 13 is based on the principle that if two containers are provided with a connecting conduit and are filled with a fluid in such a manner that there is a difference between the fluid levels in these containers, the fluid will flow from one of the containers into the other until the fluid level in both containers becomes equal.

Based on this principle, the switch arrangement shown in Figs. '7 to 13 comprises a cylindrical closed container 46 provided with two compartments 41 and 48, each having the shape clearly shown in the drawings. These compartments are connected with each other on the one hand by the opening 49, which is rather large and on the other hand by the very small aperture 50.

Furthermore, as clearly shown in Fig. 7, the entire container 46 is turnably pivoted by means of shafts 51 and 52 in corresponding pivot holes of the housing 53.

Finally, a knob 54 is secured by means of screw 55 to shaft 51 cooperating with the indications 56 on the front wall of the stationary housing 53.

In the container 46 itself two contact members 58 and 59 are provided as shown, i. e. the contact member 58 is arranged near the axis of turning oi. the container 46 within compartment 41 and the contact member 59 is arranged near the edge of the container 46 within the compartment 48. These contacts are connected with the electric circuit 69 as shown in Fig. 7.

In order to make contact between the two contact members 58 and 59, the container 46 is half filled as clearly shown in Fig. 11 with a conductive fluid 6|.

This timing arrangement operates as follows:

In inoperative starting position the container 46 is in the position shown in Fig. 9. From this figure, it is clear that in this position the two contact members 58 and 59 are located above the level 62 of fluid 6| and not electrically connected with each other. In this position the switch is open.

In order to operate the switch, the same, i. e. the container 46 is turned by means of knob 54 in direction of arrow 64. The degree of turning depends upon how long it is desired to keep the switch closed: Thus, for instance, if it is desired to close the switch for say ten minutes, the same is turned from its position shown in Fig. 9 in direction of arrow 64 into the position shown in Fig. 10. In this position both contact members 59 and 59 are submersed, i. e. under the fluid levels in the two compartments 4'! and 48, and the fluid will slowly flow through aperture 50 in direction of arrow 65 from compartment 41 into compartment 48 until the two water levels are equalized. During such flow the level of the fluid in compartment 4! will fall until contact 58 will be located above the fluid surface; this will cause interruption of the contact between the contact members 58 and 59 and thus terminate the predetermined closed contact period.

If for instance, it is desired to keep the contact closed for a longer time, i. e. for one hour, the container 46 is turned into the position shown in Fig. 8. It is evident that in this position it will take a longer time until the fluid contained in compartment 41 above contact 58 will flow through the aperture 50 into the compartment 48, and thus in this position the switch will be closed longer, i. e. it will remain closed for one hour.

In Fig. 12 I have shown the switch set for one hour timing period after termination of this timing period, i. e. after the fluid levels have become equal in both compartments.

If it is desired to make contact between the contact members 58 and 59 permanently, it is only necessary to turn the container 46 by means of knob 54 into the position shown in Fig. 11. It is evident that in this position the fluid is stationary and establishes a permanent contact between the two contact members 58 and 59. This contact will not be interrupted until the switch is turned back into its initial open position shown in Fig. 9.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of timing switches differing from the types described above.

While I have illustrated and described the invention as embodied in timing switches equipped with fluid filled containers, I do not intend to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of my invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of my invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting feameme-1 tu'res th'at, from the stand-point of prior art,

fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic 'or specific aspect of this inventionand therefore, such adaptations-should and are intended to be comprehended within-the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

ducting means by which said fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said outer container 'into said swimmer container while said swimmer container 1 is moving from a lifted position into a position submersed in said fluid in said outer container; and switch means combined with said containers and constructed so as to be automatically perated when said swimmer'container is in submersed position in the fluid within said outer container.

-2. In a timing switch, in combination, an outer container; a swimmer container arranged within said outer container; pivoting means supporting said swimmer container turnably relative to said outer container; a fluid within said containers; wick-type conducting means by which said fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said outer container into said swimmer container while said swimmer container isturning about said pivoting means from a lifted position at least partly above said fluid in said outer container into submersed position at least substantially submersed in said fluid in said outer container; and switch means combined with said swimmercontainer and constructed so as to be automatically operated when said swimmer container reached during turning said submersed position and the fluid flowing from said outer container into said swimmer container reaches a predetermined fluid level in said swimmer container.

3. A timing switch comprising in combination an outer container; a swimmer container arranged within said outer container; pivoting means supportin said swimmer container turnably relative to said outer container; a fluid within said containers; wick-type'conducting means by which said fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said outer-container into said swimmer container while said swimmer container is turning about said pivoting means from a lifted position at least partly above said fluid in said outer container into submersed position at least substantially submersed in said fluid insaidouter container; manually operated moving means on said outer container for turning said swimmer container about said pivoting means from said'submersed into said lifted position; an opening in said swimmer container shaped and arranged so that said fluid contained in said swimmer container when the same is in said submersed position is adapted toflow quickly from said swimmer container into said outer container while s aid swimmer container is manually turned from said submersed into said lifted position; and switch means combined with said swimmer container and constructed so as to be automatically operated when said swimmer container reached during turning said submersed position andthe fluid flowing from said outer container into said swimmer container reaches a predetermined fluid level in said swimmer container.

4. A timing switch comprising in combination an outer container fluid contained in'said 'oiiter container; a swimmer container arranged withinsaid outercontainer; pivoting means supporting saidswimmercontainer turnably relative to said out'ercontainer between lifted position substantially"above'said'fluid contained in said outer container and -submersed position substantially entirely'within the fluid contained in said outer container; wick-type fluid conducting means by which the fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said outer container into said swimmer container while said swimmer container is slowly turning about said pivoting means from said lifted positioninto said submersed position; manually operatedm'oving means on said outer container for turning said swimmer container about said pivoting means'from said submersed into said lifted position; 'an opening in said swimmer container shapedand'arranged'so that said fluid contained in said swimmer container when the same is in said submersed position is adapted to flow quickly from said swimmer container into said outer container whilesaid swimmer container is quickly turned by said manually operated moving means from said submersed into said lifted position; and switch means combined with said swimmer container and constructed so as to be automatically operated when said swimmer container reached during turning said submersed position and the fluid flowing from said outer container into said swimmer container reaches a predetermined fluid level in said swimrner container.

5. A timing switch comprising in combination an outer container; fluid contained in said outer container; a cup-shaped swimmer container being open at its top and arranged within said outer container; pivoting means securing said cup-shapedswirnmer container to said outer container turnably between lifted position substantially above 'the level of said fluid contained in said outer container and-submersed position substantially under the level of said fluid contained in said outer container; wick-type fluid conducting means by which said fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said outer container into said cupshaped swimmer container while the same is slowly turning about said pivoting means from said lifted into said submersed position; manually operable turning means on said outer container for quickly tur-ning said cup-shaped swim mer container about said pivoting means from said submersed into said lifted position during which turning the fluid contained in said cupshaped swimmer container quickly flows through the open top of said cup-shaped swimmer container from the same into said outer container; and a mercury switch carried by said cup-shaped swimmer container and constructed so as to be automatically operated when said cup-shaped swimmer container reaches during its slow turning said submersed position.

6. A timing switch comprising in combination an outer container; fluid contained in said'outer container; a swimmer container arranged within said outer container; first pivoting means supporting said swimmer container turnably relative to said outer container between lifted position substantially above said fluid contained in said outer container and submersed position substantially entirely within the fluid contained in said outer container; a support; second pivoting means'turnably securing said outer container together 'with'the -fluid contained in the same and said swimmer container to said support; operatingmeansenabling'turning of said swimmer 'container by said outer container during turning of the latter; conducting means by which the fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said outer container into said swimmer container while said swimmer container is slowly turning about said first pivoting means from said lifted position into said submersed position; manually operated moving means for turning said outer container about said second pivoting means so that said swimmer container is turned about said first pivoting means from said submersed into said lifted position; an opening in said swimmer container shaped and arranged so that said fluid contained in said swimmer container when the same is in said submersed position is adapted to flow quickly from said swimmer container into said outer container while said swimmer container is quickly turned by said manually operated moving means from said submersed into said lifted position; and switch means combined with said swimmer container and constructed so as to be automatically operated when said swimmer container reached during turning said submersed position and the fluid flowing from said outer container into said swimmer container reaches a predetermined fluid level in said swimmer container.

7. In a timing switch, in combination, fluid means; a swimmer container adapted to float on said fluid means; wick-type conducting means by which fluid is adapted to slowly flow from said --fluid means into said swimmer container while said swimmer container is moving from a lifted position floating on said fluid means into a position submerged in said fluid means; moving "means for moving said swimmer container from said submerged into said lifted position; and switch means connected to said swimmer container and constructed so as to be automatically operated when said swimmer container is in submerged position in said fluid means.

OCTAVIO JosE'ALvAREz.

REFERENCES CITED.

The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

